Our latest edition of Teacher’s Bookshelf features the open-access resource Teaching Reading Comprehension in a Digital World: Evidence-Based Contributions Using PIRLS and Digital Texts – a collaboration between the IEA and researchers from the Dutch Centre for Language Education. This extract is from the chapter on good practices for teaching and shares an example from Talbot Senior National School, Ireland.

It’s well known that physical activity can positively impact students’ health and wellbeing. But what do students enjoy about PE lessons? How could certain aspects of PE lessons be improved? New research explores student views on PE and sports days. In this article, we find out more from the lead researcher. 

R U OK? Day is a national day of action that reminds Australians to check in with others and ask ‘are you OK?’ In this special episode, Teacher editor Jo Earp is joined by Dr Hannah Brown to talk about some of the signs that it might be time to have the conversation, how to prepare and the 4 simple steps of ask, listen, encourage action and check in. They also discuss some of the support services and resources available.

In a 3-part series for Teacher, the leadership team at Warriapendi Primary School in Perth are sharing how they have built staff instructional capacity to improve student outcomes in literacy. In this second article, they discuss what they’ve implemented so far to support instructional capacity, and how they keep momentum.

School can be a safe space for children and families affected by domestic and family violence. While the signs aren’t always obvious, being able to recognise when something might be wrong, and knowing how to respond in a calm, safe, and supportive way, can make a real difference.

The past few years have been a challenging time for school leaders around the world. In this episode of The Research Files, Dominique Russell is joined by Michelle Striepe to discuss her and her colleagues’ research into what school leaders have learned from leading during crises – including a 3-prong approach they utilised – and how they can be more resilient for future crises. 

Redlands School’s new 9-week, device-free residential learning program for all year 9s is providing opportunities for integrated learning, relationship building and community mindedness. Head of Secondary School Gemma Van de Peer tells Teacher readers about why and how the program was developed, and the impact it has had on student learning and wellbeing.

At Warriapendi Primary School, the leadership team has been on a journey to build staff instructional capacity to lift student outcomes since 2022. In a 3-part series for Teacher, they share their journey so far and the progress they’ve made in literacy instruction. This first article focuses on how they’ve cultivated a positive culture to lay the foundation for change. 

Dr Fatemeh Aminpour – Research Fellow at the City Futures Research Centre at UNSW – joins Teacher editor Jo Earp to explore how you can go about making small, thoughtful changes to playgrounds and outdoor spaces informed by student feedback and research to improve the experience for all children.

For some students and families, barriers related to health, wellbeing and social services can significantly hinder their access to learning. Creating a school hub is one solution. In today’s article we find out more about the Mirrung Program at Ashcroft Public School – a bespoke model that’s meeting community needs and having positive impacts for everyone involved.